Stein Kruse officially retires from Carnival Corp. & plc

'Stein has been an integral part of our company during the past 25 years, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region,' a Carnival Corp. spokesperson said. 'We are grateful to Stein for his countless contributions and wish him happiness in his well-deserved retirement.'

Former group CEO

Kruse was group CEO of Holland America Group and Carnival UK until shifting to his advisory role in December 2020, first supporting then-CEO Arnold Donald and, subsequently, Josh Weinstein, along with Chairman Micky Arison.

Kruse became CEO of Holland America Group in 2013, responsible for Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and Holland America Princess Alaska Tours.

Succeeded Kirk Lanterman

Before that, since 2004, he was president and CEO of Holland America Line, succeeding A. Kirk Lanterman. He worked under Lanterman as SVP fleet operations, with reponsibility for overall operations, since 1999.

Kruse came from 'K' Line America, where he was SVP and CFO, overseing financial activities in seven US subsidiaries for the global Japanese shipping company and serving on the board of directors.

Before that, he was EVP and COO for Radisson (now Regent) Seven Seas Cruises, and president and CEO of Seven Seas Cruise Line. His cruise career began at sea with Norwegian America Line.

Industry roles included vice chairman of Cruise Lines International Association, and Kruse has been involved in philanthropic causes including as a director of the US Coast Guard Foundation.